North Medford jumped out to an early double digit lead before South Eugene rallied for a 47-45 road win in the first round of the Class 6A boys basketball playoffs Wednesday at North Medford High School.

The host Blake Tornado led by as many as 11 in the second quarter before South Eugene scored 17 unanswered points to take a six point lead. North Medford closed third quarter on a 12-2 run pushing the lead to 35-31 heading into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, South Eugene got all of its offense from Eli Lininger and Mason Green-Richards who combined for 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the field and and 5-of-7 shooting from the free throw line. North Medford struggled over the final eight minutes making just three of 15 shots as it watched its lead evaporate down the stretch.

Special District 2 Player of the Year Tristen Holmes had 10 points to pace the Blake Tornado. Lininger finished with 18 points and Green-Richards had 13 for South Eugene. The Axemen will face Sheldon on Saturday in the second round of the Class 6A boys basketball tournament.